For the fourth successive year, OverDrive will be the headline sponsor of the Libraries Connected Awards. The prestigious awards, which recognise library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users or local communities, have honoured UK libraries since 2022. OverDrive, the leading digital content distributor for libraries and schools in the UK and worldwide, is creator of the award-winning library reading app, Libby.

The Awards have six categories which reflect the Universal Library Offers (ULOs) and Promises – the core services and programmes that modern library services provide - plus a Special Achievement Award chosen by the Libraries Connected President and a Public Library Champion Award for a high profile figure from outside the sector who has made an outstanding contribution to public libraries.

Nominations are now being considered by an expert panel of judges including authors, library leaders and representatives of national organisations such as Arts Council England, The Reading Agency and the BBC. The winners will be announced at an evening prize-giving ceremony in June, part of the Libraries Connected annual seminar.

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

"We’re delighted that OverDrive will once again be the headline sponsor of the Libraries Connected Awards 2025. These Awards have become a highlight of the library calendar and play a crucial role in celebrating the remarkable achievements of library staff, who so often go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service. OverDrive has been a committed supporter of the Awards since they began, and we’re thrilled to be working with them again this year."

Nick Forster, Senior Regional Manager at OverDrive, said:

"At OverDrive, we are constantly looking for ways to further support libraries around the globe. We see the difference libraries make every day and we’re delighted to sponsor the Libraries Connected Awards to celebrate our essential library workers throughout the country. There are so many examples of service that should be recognised, and we’re proud to do our part to shine a spotlight on those who consistently go above and beyond to provide books, culture, technology and more for their communities."